Living in fear

Asinate Buisokosoko with her son Joeli Tiko at the site where she lost her six-year-old daughter Inise Toganisawa during Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston two years ago at Nasau Village on Koro. Picture: JONA KONATACI

EVERY day since February 20, 2016, Asinate Buisokosoko lives in fear hoping and praying there is never a repeat of Severe Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Two years on she clearly remembers when the third tidal wave that crashed on to Nasau Village separated her from her six-year-old daughter.

Today outside her makeshift shelter she often sits by the beach asking why God had to take her baby girl.

"When the second wave arrived, it destroyed the home we were sheltering in and pulled me and my daughter.

"I managed to grab hold of a post and we went inside the house with my daughter. I was carrying her and tried to put her on top the ceiling when I saw the third wave over the house, that was the last time I saw her," she said with a stuttering voice as her son Joeli Tiko looked on.

Six-year-old Inise Toganisawa was among the 11 lives lost at Nasau as a result of the Category 5 cyclone — five died at the height of Winston and six in hospital because of the severity of their injuries.

"Not a single day goes by that I don't think of her, I miss her so much. When she was alive everything she wanted I would get her. I would ensure to always make her happy. She loved everyone and would smile at everyone. Whatever she had at home she would share with everyone," added Ms Buisokosoko with tears streaming down her face.

"Life will never be the same, there will never be another Inise and every day I live in fear. Whenever there is rain or strong wind I fear for my one-year-old son," she said.